Many Canadians can recall the Listeriosis Outbreak of 2008 and its devastating effects. There had been a total of 56 confirmed cases (that had been reported) and a total of 21 deaths resulted from the outbreak. The source was identified to have been a contamination at a Maple Leafs Food plant where bacteria had been accumulating in the slicing machines.
This unfortunate event had altered the view of the Canadian public toward food safety and reiterated the importance of food safety certification in Canada.
Therefore, it’s crucial for anyone who aspires to work in the food industry to have their food handler certificate.
Don’t worry, here are __ kinds of training food handlers require.
1-Covid-19 Awareness for Food Service
The Coronavirus has had a massive impact on the food retail and service industry in Canada. Anyone working in food service should get this training. It’s important to be aware of the infection and its symptoms, how to use protective measures, hygiene, social distancing, and record keeping.
2-Food Safety
You should know the causes of food-borne illness such as chemical, physical, and microbiological contamination. There are also physical hazards such as hair, dirt, glass shards, nails, staples, or anything that could cause choking. It’s important to understand how food can be contaminated and what hazardous or high-risk foods can cause sickness.
3-Hygiene Awareness
It’s important to understand how microorganisms on the body and clothes can contaminate food. This training can brief you on how to exercise complete hygiene in accordance with the Food Premises Regulation.
4-Cross Contamination
This occurs when safe to eat food comes into contact with pathogenic bacterias, chemicals, etc. and causes them to become unsafe for consumption. It’s important to know how to prevent this cross contamination and know how to handle raw food or equipment.
5-Food-Borne Diseases
It’s necessary for you to understand the types of food-borne illnesses such as microbes and pathogens.
6-Laws and Regulations
You should have the training to understand the different laws on the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
7-Waste and Pest Control
Pests like rodents and insects are more than just an annoyance in your premise. They can contaminate food, spread diseases, and cause other health hazards. You have to be trained to understand the different kinds of pests and their prevention and control.
8-Receiving, and Storage, Preparing and Serving Safe Food (Time & Temp Control)
Improper food handling and preparation can cause certain food-borne diseases. You should be trained on how to handle storing food at the right temperature and how to handle high risk foods.
9-Food Safety Program and HACCP
It’s crucial that you know your HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) processes and procedures. You need to understand high risk foods, identify risk factors, know how to handle and alter as deemed necessary, and monitor the handling.
Are you looking to get an HACCP certification course in Canada?
You can get an online food handling certificate now without any hassle.
Our SafeCheck Advanced Food Safety Certificate course meets all of the requirements set by Canadian provinces! Check out our courses online, we offer courses in various languages.